Stille Nacht: String Orchestra for Christmas 2022 Wednesday, November 02, 2022
recommended by Maureen Driscoll and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Stille Nacht arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
Franz Gruber’s beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” receives a unique treatment for strings. The tune is heard twice. The first time, it is paired with a motive from the Prelude of J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 (BWV 1007); the second time, the melody shifts from part to part, giving everyone a chance to shine. Richly scored, warm and embracing, a real audience pleaser for your December concerts.
Rockin’ Ol’ St. Nick arr. Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 1
Have some toe-tapping fun with this rocking arrangement of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” for Young String Orchestra. All sections get to play the melody, and students have the opportunity to practice easy chromatic finger patterns with foot stomps, finger snaps, and bass spins for extra entertainment. Optional piano and drum set parts add rhythmic support and festive spirit for a rockin’ holiday concert!
Christmas Ringtones by Tyler Arcari, Grade 0.5
Set your beginners up for success this Christmas with this interactive work! Full of theatrics and audience participation, it’s a winning combination of function and flair! Using only the first six notes in the D scale (and a few random ringtones on your personal device), this piece is perfect for reinforcing musical fundamentals as well as being a great icebreaker for your beginners’ first performance. A definite crowd pleaser!
Holly Jolly Mixed Up Medley arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 4
Get ready to count! Perfect for any holiday concert this vibrant piece combines 11 different secular and sacred carol themes. Meter changes and layered carols keep students on their toes, and audiences will want to hear it again and again! An ideal staple in any holiday program. For advanced orchestras.
Jingle Bells arr. Caryn Wiegand Niedhold, Grade 2.5
Here’s a bubbly multilevel arrangement of this seasonal favorite with a dollop of holiday tradition and a dash of contemporary rock. Middle-level students work on their spiccato skills and pass the melody from section to section, and beginners get to play a piece they know well with the big kids. This piece stands alone for Level 2.5 orchestra, has the opportunity to include Level 1.5 students, and works wonderfully to feature beginning students. The optional drum set part kicks up the energy for a grand finale. Perfect for including your first-year students and a great way to brighten the holiday season.
Mistletoe Mix-Up by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3
Featuring snippets of “Jingle Bells,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “Joy to the World,” and more, this musical mash-up includes all the holiday hits! Students will have fun learning this upbeat number with arrangements that are accessible and interesting. “Mistletoe Mix-up” will make the perfect finale to your holiday concert.
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About the Authors:
Maureen Driscoll is the Orchestra Music Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. Originally from the Cleveland area, she attended Miami University in Oxford to study Music Education. After graduating in 2017, Maureen spent five years teaching middle and high school orchestra in Cincinnati-area public schools. A lifelong violinist, she likes to perform with community orchestras and play gigs to keep herself busy. When she’s not working or performing, Maureen enjoys exploring nature, playing video games, baking, and spending time with her boyfriend and two cats.
Megan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.